Vehicle A column and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a vehicle A column which comprises a rigid structure and a flexible structure, the flexible structure is connected with the rigid structure, and the flexible structure can deform so that the section of the vehicle A column can be changed. According to the invention, the modeling requirement and the water management requirement can be met, the aerodynamic performance of the whole vehicle can be improved, airflow separation caused by the water management requirement is improved, the aerodynamic performance is improved, and effective resistance reduction of the vehicle at different vehicle speeds is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and particularly to a vehicle A-pillar and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The external styling design of a vehicle A-pillar usually needs to consider aerodynamic properties, wind noise properties, and water management properties. However, in the prior art, the shape of the vehicle A-pillar is a fixed and unchangeable structure after leaving the factory. Therefore, it can only meet individual property requirements and cannot take into account multiple property requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle A-pillar. The cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar is variable, which can meet the styling requirements, water management requirements, and improve the overall vehicle aerodynamic performance, improve the airflow separation caused by water management requirements, enhance the aerodynamic performance, and achieve effective drag reduction of the vehicle at different vehicle speeds.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle A-pillar, which includes: a rigid structure; a flexible structure, the flexible structure is connected to the rigid structure, and the flexible structure can be deformed to make the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar variable.

[0007] According to the vehicle A-pillar of the embodiment of the present invention, the flexible structure is connected to the rigid structure of the vehicle A-pillar. The flexible structure can be deformed to make the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar variable, which can meet the styling requirements, water management requirements, and improve the overall vehicle aerodynamic performance, improve the airflow separation caused by water management requirements, enhance the aerodynamic performance, and achieve effective drag reduction of the vehicle at different vehicle speeds.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flexible structure covers at least part of the outer surface of the rigid structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the flexible structure includes: rubber, the rubber can be stretched or tightened to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flexible structure includes: an airbag, the airbag can be inflated and deflated to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the airbag includes a plurality of sub-airbags arranged in at least one direction along the vehicle A-pillar, and the plurality of sub-airbags are not communicated with each other.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the sub-airbags is provided with an air port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-airbags includes a first sub-airbag disposed near the front windshield of the vehicle; when the first sub-airbag deforms, it can change the surface difference between the A-pillar of the vehicle and the front windshield.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-airbags includes a second sub-airbag, the first sub-airbag and the second sub-airbag are arranged along a first direction, and the second sub-airbag is disposed near the side window of the vehicle.

[0015] In some embodiments, the A-pillar of the vehicle further includes a support member disposed between the flexible structure and the rigid structure for supporting the flexible structure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the shape of the support member is the same as that of the rigid structure so that the support member is attached to the rigid structure.

[0017] In some embodiments, along the first direction, a first clamping member is disposed at the edge of the support member, and second clamping members are correspondingly disposed on both sides of the rigid structure along the first direction, and the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be clamped with each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the A-pillar of the vehicle further includes a winding and receiving member connected to the airbag for tightening or loosening the airbag.

[0019] In some embodiments, the winding and receiving member is a motor, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the airbag to tighten or loosen the airbag.

[0020] In a second aspect embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, including the A-pillar of the vehicle and a controller described in the above embodiments, and the controller is configured to change the cross-section of the A-pillar of the vehicle according to demand information.

[0021] For the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible structure is connected to the rigid structure of the A-pillar of the vehicle, and the flexible structure can be deformed so that the cross-section of the A-pillar of the vehicle can be changed. The controller can change the cross-section of the A-pillar of the vehicle according to demand information to meet the styling requirements, water management requirements, and improve the overall vehicle aerodynamic performance, improve the airflow separation caused by water management requirements, enhance the aerodynamic performance, and achieve effective drag reduction of the vehicle at different vehicle speeds.

[0022] In some embodiments, the demand information includes one or more of vehicle information, environmental information, and user instruction information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vehicle information includes the current vehicle speed, and the controller is configured to: when the current vehicle speed is greater than a first threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a first cross-section; when the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a second cross-section; wherein, the first cross-section is greater than the second cross-section.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than a second threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a third cross-section; when the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a fourth cross-section; wherein, the third cross-section is greater than the fourth cross-section, and both the third cross-section and the fourth cross-section are less than the first cross-section.

[0025] In some embodiments, the environmental information includes weather information, and the controller is further configured to: when the weather information is rainy, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a fifth cross-section; when the weather information is non-rainy, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar to be a sixth cross-section; wherein, the fifth cross-section is greater than the sixth cross-section.

[0026] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle. Description of the Drawings

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for description in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art can also obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the A-pillar of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of an airbag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 Partial schematic diagram of the A-pillar of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 Partial schematic diagram of the A-pillar of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the A-pillar of a vehicle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of vehicle A-pillar according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of vehicle A-pillar according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of vehicle A-pillar according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 Partial schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 Partial schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 Partial schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 Drag reduction mode strategy diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 14 Water management mode strategy diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Reference numerals:

[0043] 100 - Vehicle A-pillar; 101 - Outer panel of A-pillar; 1011 - Card slot; 102 - Reinforcing plate of A-pillar; 103 - Inner panel of A-pillar; 104 - Airbag; 1041 - First sub-airbag; 1042 - Second sub-airbag; 1043 - Third sub-airbag; 105 - Air port; 106 - Air valve; 107 - Pipeline; 108 - Support member; 1081 - Snap; 109 - Reel receiver; 110 - First rounded corner; 1101 - First root; 1102 - First tangent; 111 - Third rounded corner; 1111 - Third root; 1112 - Third tangent;

[0044] 200 - Vehicle; 201 - Inflator; 202 - Speed sensor; 203 - Acceleration sensor; 204 - Front windshield; 205 Side window; 206 - Second rounded corner; 2061 - Second root; 2062 - Second tangent; 207 - Fourth rounded corner; 2071 - Fourth root; 2072 - Fourth tangent. Detailed implementation manners

[0045] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or relative positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. Without special instructions, in the case of meeting the relative positional relationship shown in the drawings, the above-described orientation description can be flexibly set during the actual application process.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", and "communicated" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present invention, the term "including", "comprising" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the process, article or device including that element.

[0050] In the embodiments of the present invention, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0051] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0052] During the driving process of the vehicle 200, in order to meet different property requirements, such as aerodynamic properties, wind noise properties, water management properties, etc., it is necessary to design the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100. However, in the prior art, the shape of the A-pillar is a fixed and unchangeable structure after leaving the factory. Therefore, it can only meet individual property requirements. For example, to meet the water management requirement, the cross-section of the A-pillar is designed to be larger to increase the surface difference between the A-pillar and the front windshield 204; for example, to meet the drag reduction requirement, the cross-section of the A-pillar is designed such that the area close to the front windshield 204 is parallel or nearly parallel to the front windshield 204, and the area close to the side window 205 is parallel or nearly parallel to the side window 205 to reduce the wind resistance of the vehicle 200 during driving. However, the prior art cannot adjust the cross-section of the A-pillar in real time after leaving the factory to meet different property requirements.

[0053] The following refers to Figures 1-14 the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the vehicle 200 according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Refer to Figures 1-12 , an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle A-pillar 100, including: a rigid structure; a flexible structure, the flexible structure is connected to the rigid structure, and the flexible structure can be deformed to make the cross-section of the A-pillar variable. The flexible structure covers at least a part of the outer surface of the rigid structure.

[0055] Specifically, the rigid structure is the A-pillar body of the vehicle 200, which is usually an aluminum structure. It can be understood that the A-pillar body is one of the important structures of the vehicle body and usually plays a role in supporting the vehicle body: it is connected to components such as the roof, engine compartment, and doors, and can withstand various forces generated during the driving of the vehicle 200, including gravity, inertia force, lateral force, etc., providing stable support for the vehicle body, ensuring the overall strength and rigidity of the vehicle body, and maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle 200. At the same time, the A-pillar body also plays a role in protecting the safety of the driver and passengers: when the vehicle 200 collides, it can effectively absorb and disperse the collision energy, reduce the impact on the cockpit, prevent the cockpit from deforming too much, provide a relatively safe living space for the driver and passengers, and reduce the risk of the driver and passengers being injured. The vehicle A-pillar 100 usually also includes an A-pillar outer panel 101, an A-pillar inner panel 103, and an A-pillar reinforcement panel 102. The rigid structure of the present invention can be the A-pillar outer panel 101, and the flexible structure covers the outer surface of the A-pillar outer panel 101.

[0056] Specifically, as Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the flexible structure covers the entire outer surface of the A-pillar outer panel 101. When the flexible structure is affected and deformed, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 also changes with the deformation of the flexible structure, thereby enhancing water management effects: increasing the cross-section of the A-pillar to increase the surface difference between the A-pillar and the front windshield 204; reducing the aerodynamic drag of the whole vehicle: changing the shape and size of the flexible structure so that the area of the cross-section of the A-pillar close to the front windshield 204 is parallel or approximately parallel to the front windshield 204, and the area close to the side window 205 is parallel or approximately parallel to the side window 205, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments, the flexible structure includes a rubber sheet, which can be stretched or tightened to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100.

[0058] Specifically, the rubber sheet can be one or a mixture of materials such as butyl rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), etc., and has good elasticity and flexibility, providing a long service life. When the rubber sheet is subjected to an external force, for example, a support member 108 is provided between the rubber sheet and the rigid structure, and the support member 108 can be a mechanical structure with a jacking function, such as a combination of a gear and a rack or other conventional mechanical structures. When the support member 108 jacks up the rubber sheet, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 changes to meet different property requirements.

[0059] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, the flexible structure includes an airbag 104, and the airbag 104 can be inflated and deflated to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100.

[0060] Specifically, the airbag 104 is made of elastic rubber or plastic material. The inflatable and deflatable airbag 104 covers the outer surface of the A-pillar outer panel 101. When the airbag 104 is inflated or deflated, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 changes to meet different property requirements.

[0061] In some embodiments, the airbag 104 includes a plurality of sub-airbags arranged along at least one direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100, and the plurality of sub-airbags are not connected to each other.

[0062] Specifically, as Figures 3-9 shown, the airbag 104 of the present invention includes three sub-airbags arranged along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. These three sub-airbags are not connected to each other. When any one of the sub-airbags fails, such as being damaged, the other two sub-airbags can still perform the functions of inflation or deflation to meet different property requirements.

[0063] In some other embodiments, each sub-airbag is provided with an air port 105.

[0064] Specifically, as Figure 10 shown, the airbag 104 of the present invention includes three non-connected sub-airbags arranged along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. For the convenience of inflating or deflating any one of the sub-airbags, the present invention designs an air port 105 on each sub-airbag.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-airbags include a first sub-airbag 1041, and the first sub-airbag 1041 is arranged close to the front windshield 204 of the vehicle 200; when the first sub-airbag 1041 deforms, it can change the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204.

[0066] Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the water management design principle between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204 is that the greater the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204, the better the water management effect. The first sub-airbag 1041 of the present invention is arranged on the vehicle A-pillar 100 at a position close to the front windshield 204. When the vehicle 200 is driving on a rainy day, in order to meet the water management requirements, the first sub-airbag 1041 is inflated to increase the protrusion degree of the vehicle A-pillar 100 relative to the vehicle 200. It can be understood that the more prominent the vehicle A-pillar 100 is relative to the vehicle 200, the greater the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204, and the better the water management effect. The width d of the first sub-airbag 1041 is 10 - 20 mm, and preferably, the width d of the first sub-airbag 1041 is 15 mm.

[0067] Furthermore, as Figure 11As shown in the figure, in order to meet the drag reduction requirement, the first sub-airbag 1041 of the present invention is arranged parallel or nearly parallel to the front windshield 204, so as to avoid the separation of the airflow at the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204: along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100, the vehicle A-pillar 100 is formed with a first rounded corner 110, the first rounded corner 110 is close to the front windshield 204, and the first rounded corner 110 includes a first root 1101; a cross-section is made along the height direction of the vehicle 200, and the tangent line of the first rounded corner 110 with the first root 1101 as the tangent point is the first tangent line 1102; along the width direction of the vehicle 200, the front windshield 204 is formed with a second rounded corner 206, the second rounded corner 206 is close to the vehicle A-pillar 100, and the second rounded corner 206 includes a second root 2061; a cross-section is made along the height direction of the vehicle 200, and the tangent line of the second rounded corner 206 with the second root 2061 as the tangent point is the second tangent line 2062; wherein, along the height direction of the vehicle 200, the first tangent line 1102 is parallel to the second tangent line 2062, or the first tangent line 1102 intersects with the second tangent line 2062, and the included angle is greater than 0 degree and less than 3 degrees.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plurality of sub-airbags includes a second sub-airbag 1042, and the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042 are arranged in a row along a first direction, and the second sub-airbag 1042 is arranged close to the side window 205 of the vehicle 200.

[0069] Specifically, as Figure 12 shown in the figure, the first direction is the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. In order to meet the drag reduction requirement, the second sub-airbag 1042 of the present invention is arranged parallel or nearly parallel to the side window 205, so as to avoid the separation of the airflow at the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the side window 205: along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100, the vehicle A-pillar 100 is formed with a third rounded corner 111, the third rounded corner 111 is close to the side window 205, and the third rounded corner 111 includes a third root 1111; a cross-section is made along the height direction of the vehicle 200, and the tangent line of the third rounded corner 111 with the third root 1111 as the tangent point is the third tangent line 1112; along the length direction of the vehicle 200, the side window 205 is formed with a fourth rounded corner 207, the fourth rounded corner 207 is close to the vehicle A-pillar 100, and the fourth rounded corner 207 includes a fourth root 2071; a cross-section is made along the height direction of the vehicle 200, and the tangent line of the fourth rounded corner 207 with the fourth root 2071 as the tangent point is the fourth tangent line 2072; wherein, along the height direction of the vehicle 200, the third tangent line 1112 is parallel to the fourth tangent line 2072, or the third tangent line 1112 intersects with the fourth tangent line 2072, and the included angle is greater than 0 degree and less than 3 degrees. The width d of the second sub-airbag 1042 is 10-20 mm, and preferably, the width d of the second sub-airbag 1042 is 15 mm.

[0070] The designs of the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042 are such that the parallel area of the front side of the vehicle A-pillar 100 relative to the front windshield 204 is increased, which is more conducive to the flow of air from the front windshield 204 to the side window 205. At the same time, the rear side of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is parallel or nearly parallel to the side window 205, and the air flow clings to the side window 205 after flowing over the outer surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100, reducing the flow separation after the air flow passes through the A-pillar, effectively reducing the overall vehicle aerodynamic drag and increasing the endurance.

[0071] In some embodiments, the vehicle A-pillar 100 further includes a support member 108. The support member 108 is disposed between the airbag 104 and the rigid structure and is used to support the airbag 104. The shape of the support member 108 is consistent with the shape of the rigid structure so that the support member 108 is attached to the rigid structure.

[0072] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the airbag 104 of the present invention is made of a flexible material. To prevent the airbag 104 from detaching from or shifting relative to the A-pillar body, the airbag 104 of the present invention is covered on the support member 108, and the airbag 104 and the support member 108 are adhesively connected; the shape of the support member 108 is consistent with the shape of the A-pillar body. Further, the support member 108 is attached to the outer surface of the A-pillar outer panel 101, and it can be any conventional connection method such as snap connection, adhesive connection, screw connection, etc.

[0073] In some embodiments, along the first direction, a first snap member is provided at the edge of the support member 108, and second snap members are correspondingly provided on both sides of the rigid structure along the first direction. The first snap member and the second snap member can be snap-fitted with each other.

[0074] Specifically, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100, a buckle 1081 is provided at the edge of the support member 108, and slots 1011 are provided on both sides of the A-pillar outer panel 101. The buckle 1081 and the slots 1011 are snap-fitted with each other to prevent the support member 108 from detaching from or shifting relative to the A-pillar outer panel 101. The present invention does not limit the positions of the buckle 1081 and the slots 1011, and slots 1011 can also be provided for the support member 108, and the A-pillar outer panel 101 is provided with the buckle 1081.

[0075] In some embodiments, the vehicle A-pillar 100 further includes a reel 109. The reel 109 is connected to the airbag 104 and is used to tighten or loosen the airbag 104. The reel 109 is a motor, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the airbag 104.

[0076] Specifically, as Figure 5As shown, in order to ensure that the surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 remains taut after the airbag 104 is inflated or deflated, it is necessary to tighten or loosen the airbag 104. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the airbag 104. When the airbag 104 needs to be inflated, the output shaft rotates in reverse to loosen the airbag 104, making the inflation process smoother. When the airbag 104 is fully inflated, the output shaft can also be controlled to rotate forward to tighten the airbag 104. When the airbag 104 needs to be deflated, the output shaft rotates forward to tighten the airbag 104, making the surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 taut, avoiding additional wind resistance and wind noise, and affecting the aesthetics of the vehicle A-pillar 100.

[0077] The vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the vehicle A-pillar 100 and a controller configured to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 according to demand information.

[0078] Specifically, the controller can change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 according to demand information, and the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 also changes with the inflation and deflation of the airbag 104, thereby enhancing the water management effect: increasing the cross-section of the A-pillar to increase the surface difference between the A-pillar and the front windshield 204; reducing the overall vehicle wind resistance: changing the shape and size of the flexible structure so that the area of the cross-section of the A-pillar close to the front windshield 204 is parallel or nearly parallel to the front windshield 204, and the area close to the side window 205 is parallel or nearly parallel to the side window 205, etc.

[0079] It can be understood that, as Figure 1 shown, the vehicle 200 of this embodiment includes an inflator 201 and sensors: the inflator 201 can be an electric inflator 201 or a pneumatic inflator 201, etc., which is one of the active inflators 201, and the sensors include a speed sensor 202 and an acceleration sensor 203.

[0080] In some embodiments, the demand information includes one or more of vehicle information, environmental information, and user instruction information.

[0081] Specifically, the vehicle 200 controls the inflation and deflation of the airbag 104 according to the vehicle speed information.

[0082] Such as Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 13As shown, the current vehicle speed is judged. When the current vehicle speed is greater than the first threshold, the cross-section of vehicle A-pillar 100 is controlled to be the first cross-section. In the present invention, the first threshold is set to 60 km / h. Specifically, the airbag 104 includes a first sub-airbag 1041, a third sub-airbag 1043, and a second sub-airbag 1042 arranged along the width direction of vehicle A-pillar 100. The three sub-airbags are not connected to each other, and each sub-airbag has an independent air port 105. When the vehicle speed is greater than 60 km / h, the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042 are kept filled with gas, and the controller controls the inflator 201 to inflate or deflate the third sub-airbag 1043. Further, when the acceleration of vehicle 200 is 0, the inflation or deflation of the third sub-airbag 1043 is stopped; when the acceleration of vehicle 200 is greater than 0, the inflation of the third sub-airbag 1043 continues; when the acceleration of vehicle 200 is less than 0, the deflation of the third sub-airbag 1043 continues. The first cross-section is the cross-section of vehicle A-pillar 100 formed by the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042 when the vehicle speed is greater than 60 km / h. When the third sub-airbag 1043 is fully inflated, its maximum thickness is 10 mm.

[0083] Specifically, when the vehicle 200 is traveling at a high speed, such as a speed greater than 60 km / h, the acceleration sensor 203 and the speed sensor 202 jointly control the inflation volume of the airbag 104. The acceleration sensor 203 and the speed sensor 202 detect the vehicle 200 state and environmental parameters, and control the inflation and deflation of the inflator 201 for the airbag 104. The speed sensor 202 detects the speed. If the vehicle 200 travels at a constant speed for more than one minute, the speed sensor 202 sends an inflation signal to the inflator 201 and the air valve 106, controls the opening of the pipeline 107 connecting the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042, so that the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042 are filled with gas. At the same time, the motor rotates to adjust the tightening degree of the airbag 104, so that the front side of the outer surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is parallel or approximately parallel to the front windshield 204, and the rear side of the outer surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is parallel or approximately parallel to the side window 205; at the same time, the inflation volume of the third sub-airbag 1043 is adjusted. When the power output remains unchanged, the acceleration sensor 203 starts to detect the driving state of the vehicle 200. If a positive acceleration is detected, it indicates that the profile of the vehicle A-pillar 100 has a drag reduction effect on the vehicle 200 at this time. At this time, the acceleration sensor 203 sends a signal to the inflator 201, and the inflator 201 increases the inflation volume of the third sub-airbag 1043. The acceleration sensor 203 detects the acceleration state of the vehicle 200 again. If a positive acceleration is detected, it indicates that continuous inflation is beneficial to drag reduction. At this time, the acceleration sensor 203 sends a signal to the inflator 201, and the inflator 201 increases the inflation volume of the third sub-airbag 1043 again. The acceleration sensor 203 detects the acceleration of the vehicle 200 again, forming a cyclic inflation. During the cyclic inflation process, if the acceleration sensor 203 detects an acceleration of 0, it indicates that the profile of the vehicle A-pillar 100 reaches the best drag reduction effect at this time, and the inflator 201 stops inflation; if after re-inflation, the acceleration sensor 203 detects a negative acceleration, it indicates that continuous inflation has a negative contribution to the overall vehicle aerodynamic drag at this time, and the speed sensor 202 sends a deflation signal to the inflator 201 until the acceleration sensor 203 detects an acceleration of 0, reaching the best drag reduction effect. At this time, the area where the front side of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is parallel or approximately parallel to the front windshield 204 increases, which is more conducive to the airflow flowing from the front windshield 204 to the side window 205. At the same time, the rear side of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is parallel or approximately parallel to the side window 205, and the air flow clings to the side window 205 after exiting, which reduces the flow separation after the airflow passes through the vehicle A-pillar 100, can effectively reduce the overall vehicle aerodynamic drag, and increase the endurance.

[0084] When the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is controlled to be the second cross-section. In the present invention, the first threshold is set to 60 km / h. Specifically, the airbag 104 includes a first sub-airbag 1041, a third sub-airbag 1043, and a second sub-airbag 1042 arranged along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. The three sub-airbags are not connected to each other, and each sub-airbag has an independent air port 105. When the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 60 km / h, the gas in the third sub-airbag 1043 is emptied, and the controller controls the inflator 201 to inflate or deflate the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042. The second cross-section is the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 formed by the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042 when the vehicle speed is less than or equal to 60 km / h. It can be understood that the first cross-section is larger than the second cross-section. When the third sub-airbag 1043 is fully inflated, its maximum thickness is 10 mm.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is controlled to be the third cross-section. When the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second threshold, the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 is controlled to be the fourth cross-section. In the present invention, the second threshold is set to 30 km / h. Specifically, the airbag 104 includes a first sub-airbag 1041, a third sub-airbag 1043, and a second sub-airbag 1042 arranged along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. The three sub-airbags are not connected to each other, and each sub-airbag has an independent air port 105. As Figure 8 and Figure 13 shown, when the vehicle speed is less than 60 km / h and greater than 30 km / h, the gas in the third sub-airbag 1043 is emptied, and the controller controls the inflator 201 to inflate the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042. The third cross-section is the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 formed by the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042 when the vehicle speed is less than 60 km / h and greater than 30 km / h. When the current vehicle speed is less than 30 km / h, the controller controls the inflator 201 to empty the gas in the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042, and the motor tightens the airbag 104. The fourth cross-section is the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 formed by the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042 when the vehicle speed is less than 30 km / h. When the third sub-airbag 1043 is fully inflated, its maximum thickness D is 10 mm.

[0086] It can be understood that the third cross-section is larger than the fourth cross-section, and both the third cross-section and the fourth cross-section are smaller than the first cross-section.

[0087] Specifically, when the vehicle speed is less than 60 km / h but greater than 30 km / h, the speed of the vehicle 200 decreases, the contribution of wind resistance to the total vehicle resistance decreases, the flow separation near the A-pillar 100 of the vehicle decreases, and the vehicle 200 may accelerate or decelerate. At this time, the gas in the third sub-airbag 1043 is exhausted, and the speed sensor 202 sends an inflation signal to the inflator 201 and the air valve 106, controlling the opening of the pipeline 107 connecting the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042, so that the first sub-airbag 1041 and the second sub-airbag 1042 are filled with gas. At the same time, the motor rotates to adjust the tightening degree of the airbag 104, making the front side of the outer surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 parallel or nearly parallel to the front windshield 204, and the rear side of the outer surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 parallel or nearly parallel to the side window 205, achieving effective drag reduction.

[0088] When the vehicle speed is less than 30 km / h, it can be determined that the vehicle is in an urban section, and frequent acceleration and deceleration are likely to occur. At this time, the contribution of wind resistance to the vehicle 200 is significantly reduced, the flow separation near the A-pillar 100 of the vehicle is weak, and the wind noise impact is small. As Figure 9 and Figure 13 shown, the speed sensor 202 sends a signal to the inflator 201 and the motor. The inflator 201 evacuates the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042. After the airbag 104 loses support, it adheres to the outer surface of the A-pillar body. At the same time, the motor tightens the airbag 104 to make it closely adhere to the outer surface of the A-pillar body, making the surface of the vehicle A-pillar 100 tight, avoiding additional wind resistance, wind noise, and affecting the aesthetics of the vehicle A-pillar 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, the environmental information includes weather information, and the controller is further configured to: when the weather information is rainy, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 to be the fifth cross-section; when the weather information is non-rainy, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 to be the sixth cross-section; wherein, the fifth cross-section is larger than the sixth cross-section.

[0090] Specifically, as Figure 7 and Figure 14As shown, the airbag 104 includes a first sub-airbag 1041, a third sub-airbag 1043, and a second sub-airbag 1042 arranged along the width direction of the vehicle A-pillar 100. When the vehicle 200 encounters non-rainy weather, the vehicle 200 is controlled to enter the above-mentioned drag reduction mode. When the vehicle 200 encounters rainy weather, to meet the water management requirements, it enters the water management mode: judge the amount of rainfall, control the gas in the third sub-airbag 1043 and the second sub-airbag 1042 to be exhausted and control the motor to tighten the third sub-airbag 1043 and the second sub-airbag 1042; the inflator 201 receives a signal and inflates the inside of the first sub-airbag 1041. The fifth cross-section is the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100 formed by the first sub-airbag 1041, the third sub-airbag 1043, and the second sub-airbag 1042 in rainy weather; at this time, the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204 can be increased to 10 mm - 15 mm to adapt to the water management requirements. Specifically, when the rainfall is less than 9.9 mm / day, a small amount of gas is filled into the first sub-airbag 1041, and the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204 is controlled to be less than 10 mm; when the rainfall is greater than 10 mm / day and less than 24.9 mm / day, a small amount of gas is filled into the first sub-airbag 1041 again, and the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204 is controlled to be greater than 10 mm and less than 15 mm; when the rainfall is greater than 25 mm / day, the first sub-airbag 1041 is filled with gas, and the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar 100 and the front windshield 204 is controlled to be greater than 15 mm.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the inflation amount of multiple sub-airbags can also be controlled according to user instruction information to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar 100.

[0092] It can be understood that all the rotatable connections mentioned in the present invention can be conventional rotatable connection structures such as pin shafts and sleeves.

[0093] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that: various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle A-pillar (100), characterized in that, The vehicle A-pillar (100) includes: A rigid structure; A flexible structure, which is connected to the rigid structure and can be deformed to make the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100) variable.

2. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible structure covers at least part of the outer surface of the rigid structure.

3. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible structure includes: rubber, which can be stretched or tightened to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100).

4. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible structure includes: an airbag (104), which can be inflated and deflated to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100).

5. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The airbag (104) includes a plurality of sub-airbags arranged along at least one direction of the vehicle A-pillar (100), and the plurality of sub-airbags are not communicated with each other.

6. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the sub-airbags is provided with an air port (105).

7. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The plurality of sub-airbags include a first sub-airbag (1041), which is arranged close to the front windshield (204) of the vehicle (200); when the first sub-airbag (1041) deforms, it can change the surface difference between the vehicle A-pillar (100) and the front windshield (204).

8. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plurality of sub-airbags include a second sub-airbag (1042), the first sub-airbag (1041) and the second sub-airbag (1042) are arranged along a first direction, and the second sub-airbag (1042) is arranged close to the side window (205) of the vehicle (200).

9. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle A-pillar (100) further includes a support member (108), which is arranged between the flexible structure and the rigid structure and is used to support the flexible structure.

10. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The shape of the support member (108) is the same as that of the rigid structure so that the support member (108) is attached to the rigid structure.

11. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Along a first direction, a first clamping member is arranged at the edge of the support member (108), and second clamping members are correspondingly arranged on both sides of the rigid structure along the first direction, and the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be clamped with each other.

12. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vehicle A-pillar (100) further includes a winding and receiving member (109), which is connected to the airbag (104) and is used to tighten or loosen the airbag (104).

13. The vehicle A-pillar (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The winding and receiving member (109) is a motor, and the output shaft of the motor is connected to the airbag (104) to tighten or loosen the airbag (104).

14. A vehicle (200), characterized in that, It includes the vehicle A-pillar (100) according to any one of claims 1-13 and a controller, and the controller is configured to change the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100) according to demand information.

15. The vehicle (200) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The demand information includes one or more of vehicle information, environment information, and user instruction information.

16. The vehicle (200) according to claim 15, wherein, The vehicle information includes the current vehicle speed, and the controller is configured to: When the current vehicle speed is greater than a first threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100) to be a first cross-section; When the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold, control the cross-section of the vehicle A-pillar (100) to be a second cross-section; Wherein, the first cross-section is larger than the second cross-section.

17. The vehicle (200) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The controller is further configured to: When the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, control the cross-section of the A-pillar (100) of the vehicle to be the third cross-section; When the current vehicle speed is less than or equal to the second threshold, control the cross-section of the A-pillar (100) of the vehicle to be the fourth cross-section; Wherein, the third cross-section is larger than the fourth cross-section, and both the third cross-section and the fourth cross-section are smaller than the first cross-section.

18. The vehicle (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The environmental information includes weather information, and the controller is further configured to: When the weather information is rainy, control the cross-section of the A-pillar (100) of the vehicle to be the fifth cross-section; When the weather information is non-rainy, control the cross-section of the A-pillar (100) of the vehicle to be the sixth cross-section; Wherein, the fifth cross-section is larger than the sixth cross-section.

19. The vehicle (200) according to any one of claims 14 - 18, characterized in that, The vehicle (200) further includes a sensor, and the sensor is used to detect the speed of the vehicle (200).

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